Big Island (Chemung River) facts for kids
 Big Island
Location in New York Adirondack Park
Big Island
Location in the United States
Location of Big Island within New York
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Chemung River |
| Coordinates | 42°03′43″N 76°45′52″W / 42.0620186°N 76.7643983°W |
| Highest elevation | 830 ft (253 m) |
| Administration | |
 United States |
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| State | New York |
| County | Chemung |
| City | Elmira |
Big Island is a small piece of land completely surrounded by water. It is located in Chemung County, New York, within the United States. This island sits right in the middle of the Chemung River, just southeast of the city of Elmira.
Contents
What is Big Island?
Big Island is a natural landform found in the Chemung River. It is often called a "river island" because it is located entirely within a river's flow. River islands are formed when sediment, like sand and gravel, builds up over time in the middle of a river.
Where is Big Island Located?
Big Island is situated in the southern part of New York State. It's specifically found in Chemung County. The island's exact spot is on the Chemung River, which flows through this region.
Near Elmira
The island is very close to the city of Elmira. Elmira is a city in Chemung County known for its history and location along the Chemung River. If you were looking at a map, you would find Big Island just to the southeast of Elmira.
The Chemung River
The Chemung River is an important waterway in New York and Pennsylvania. It flows for about 46 miles (74 kilometers) before joining the Susquehanna River. Islands like Big Island are a natural part of many river systems.
How River Islands Form
River islands can form in different ways. Sometimes, a river might split into two channels and then rejoin, leaving land in the middle. Other times, sediment carried by the river, like dirt and rocks, can settle in one spot and gradually build up to form an island.
